Cord Prolapse

Question 1

What is cord prolapse?

Answer 1

Where the umbilical cord descends past the fetus, and through the cervix/vagina after rupture of membranes

Question 2

What are the risk factors for cord prolapse?

Answer 2

Polyhydramnios
Multiparity
Multiple pregnancy
Low birthweight
Prematurity
Abnormal lie
High fetal head at delivery
Cephalo-pelvic disproportion

Question 3

What are the signs of cord prolapse?

Answer 3

Feeling of the cord inside the vagina
Abnormal fetal heart rate on CTG

Question 4

What investigations are used to diagnose cord prolapse?

Answer 4

Vaginal examination
CTG

Question 5

What is the definitive management of cord prolapse?

Answer 5

Emergency C-section

Question 6

What can be done to prevent further cord prolapse?

Answer 6

Knees chest position
Filling the bladder with 500ml warmed saline
Avoid exposure and handling of the cord
Terbutaline to stop uterine contractions